One vehicle we've been eagerly awaiting its debut is the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class.

Following up on the hugely successful M/ML/now GLE, this is expected to be the best mid-size Mercedes sports-utility vehicle.

If you just look across the company's product portfolio today, you'll note that the current-gen GLE is one of the marque's weak points. Not that it really matters as the company still sells a ton — only product people like the Agents care.

Given all the updates with the three-pointed star's engines and technology though, we're thinking that this all-new Benz has the potential to light up this segment of SUVs from a sales perspective.

Just THINK: Does any other luxury automaker have a better answer to Mercedes' trifecta that includes its exterior/interior design, infotainment and technology?

As you're pondering that thought, take a peek at the latest spy shots exposing the upcoming GLE-Class. They're really, really good.

User Comments

I can't see how a flat glass panel, with no cover to shade it gets approved by the board or even the design committee. Clients will be completely disappointed with the glare on this screen on their first sunny drive. As well it makes the GLE interior look cheap as well. Good Grief! :-0

@MD- The most worrisome thing about this design is that it becomes a "thing" and more car companies copy it because Tesla and Mercedes are doing it. Just like floating roof lines or coupe SUV's, just because someone else wants to jump off a bridge, it doesn't mean you have to.

Mercedes is on a roll right now - and it was because they decided to poll their buyers to see what they wanted - and to their surprise they wanted more luxury over more performance. AS a result - Mercedes responded knowing that there was still a measure of their customers who wanted high performance - so they did a "Y" with the regular cars being more luxurious - and the AMG for the performance versions.

If you offer your customers everything they want - it is easier to sell cars. However - these things run in cycles - and eventually - as happened to BMW - the panache of having one will fade for Mercedes - especially as their numbers rise - opening a chance for another brand to take over. I do not believe that Mercedes has a lead in technology - over other German brands - or in infotainment either. Since people who buy cutting edge luxury cars are accustomed to things that go bump in the night - right nw - people are liking Mercedes Interior/exterior design over the stale designs of BMW. That could turn on a dime with a new design.

Matt -Nonsense -YOUR Alzheimers has now progressed to the point that you no longer can understand comments. IF you look above - the question in the Item was - Does any other manufacturer ...?

I responded that if you WHY Mercedes is doing what it is doing (Polling their customers) - I said I do not believe Mercedes actually has a Technology lead - nor infotainment which directly addresses those parts of the Question - and then I noted that Styling runs in cycles and eventually people will tire of Mercedes designs and move on.

@Tom - Don't take the bait. But in this case, the thread was clearly about the goofy flat screen that is supposed to now be a gauge cluster. I think you were addressing the article and the subject matter 00R was pointing at with your post. I think Agent00R is way off the mark saying Benz has the world by the tail if this is really doing to be the new GLE interior. But it's his article.

Sorry - CANNAIAN or MATT - In English, You respond to questions and the ONLY QUestion in the article was - " Does any other luxury automaker have a better answer to Mercedes' trifecta that includes its exterior/interior design, infotainment and technology?" THERE is no question about the Flat screen in the article.

Interior design is a bit overwrought. For example - why is the screen tacked onto a space that is exactly the size and width of the screen - they could have recessed it (and shaded it from sun glare!) and the result would have been much better.

@mre30 - Good point. They are in the Cayenne and the Urus too. They are a "thing" that some believe an SUV needs to have in the premium segment. Maybe they will be used when foraging an overly tall speed bump at the mall.

The grab handles are necessary for the "Well Sonny Boy, back in the 1950s when a man was a man, a woman knew her place, and you rebuilt transmissions on the dining room table..." types to hold onto so they don't fall and break a hip as they get out of their Mercedes.

This will sell like hotcakes. As much flack as I hear on enthusiast sites, the clients are always wowed by the dual screens in person and love them. Also, with a glossy wood and the ambient lighting turned on this will definitely be a very modern interior. Sure it looks a little unfinished now but I'm sure the final result will be much more polished.

Everything looks great. Except those odd front vents on each side of the screens. Hate those - they are true headscratchers in terms of design and function. Mercedes has stated they've managed glare on the screen (per the new A-Class setup) so there are no worries there. The center console looks great. Not sure why they went with rectangular mid-section vents on the dash where every new Benz designs are circular.

Looking forward to the Lincoln Aviator or the Cadillac XT-6 (Should have a name, perhaps Cadillac Greenbriar or something that says expensive / luxury vs that crap moniker...) ... this is going to be so expensive and insane to repair... count me out...

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